As I serve dinner to my son, he gives me a familiar look: “Mom! It’s touching!” His aversion to food touching on his plate is a constant reminder of his need for order. Everything must have its own designated space, as if life’s culinary experiences should be compartmentalized like a Bento box, ensuring that ketchup never mingles with salad. Yet, life isn’t always that tidy—sometimes the ketchup inevitably touches the salad. “Deal with it,” I respond, perhaps a bit too quickly. “You can’t always keep things separate.” This rings true not only for dinner but for life itself.
Recently, my life felt like a whirlwind of events colliding together: the chaotic and beautiful mingled seamlessly. Our family gathered to celebrate the Jewish New Year, my daughter lost her first tooth, I turned 37, and we finally named our baby just days before her eight-month milestone. Amidst the joy, however, I found myself anxiously waiting for a phone call: What if?
Two weeks ago, I underwent my first baseline mammogram. While I generally have no risk factors for breast cancer—a healthy 37-year-old with no family history and a non-smoking lifestyle—I do possess the most significant risk factor: I have breasts. The stark reality is that having breasts comes with inherent risks.
The doctors reassured me that the spot detected on my mammogram looked “friendly,” but they admitted there was no scientific backing for this assessment. They couldn’t find it during the ultrasound, and their suggestion was to wait six months for another look. However, I couldn’t bear the uncertainty. After just six days in this limbo, I had consumed my weight in comfort food out of stress. I needed clarity.
For me, clarity meant undergoing a stereotactic biopsy. Just before the New Year and all its celebrations, I found myself lying on a table with my right breast suspended through an opening. The procedure lasted about 90 minutes, leaving me bruised and in pain. Then, the waiting began.
In this period of uncertainty, I reflected on the many responsibilities I juggle daily for my family. Yet, in my 37 years, I had never taken the time to perform a self-examination of my breasts. A routine check, which could take less than a minute, had always been sidelined by life’s demands. I rushed through showers, juggled emails, and prepared meals—all while neglecting my own health.
As I pulled into the preschool parking lot this morning, I noticed a sea of adorable children donned in rain gear, carefully escorted by their mothers. Most of these mothers, like myself, appeared disheveled, balancing babies on their hips and wading through puddles without proper rain protection. This observation struck me: when did we decide that our children’s needs supersede our own? Why do we neglect our health in the name of caregiving?
It’s crucial for women to prioritize their health—not merely for their families or partners, but for themselves. The societal narrative often suggests that women’s health comes second to their roles as caregivers. This must change. Women matter, not just in relation to others, but as individuals deserving of care and respect.
Simple Steps to Prioritize Your Health
As I begin this new year of life, I urge you to take some simple yet vital steps:
- Conduct a breast self-exam today. It doesn’t have to be perfect; simply look for any changes.
- If you’re over 40, ensure your mammogram is scheduled. If you’re under 40, consult your doctor about the possibility of a baseline mammogram.
- Contribute to breast cancer research—every bit helps. I’m supporting various causes, and I encourage you to give what you can.
- Share this message with others who may benefit—women need to know their health matters, for their sake and their families.
After an excruciating six days, I received the news from my doctor: it was just a lymph node, nothing to worry about. I’ll follow up in six months. I don’t feel like I narrowly escaped danger; instead, I feel enlightened. I am now marked—not just physically, but with a renewed commitment to my health.
Take charge of your health today. For more information on self-care and health resources, check out Resolve, which offers valuable insights into family health options. For those considering home insemination, this post explores options for enhancing fertility, while this link provides guidance on your journey toward conception.
In summary, women’s health must be a priority—not just for the sake of others but because we deserve it ourselves. Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of everyone else.
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